FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK

    Eyes Wide Open Now

I now understand all those programs on television that warn parents about making sure they take a peek every now and again at their children's Facebook pages.  This past week, I joined Facebook to help grow my publishing and writing business.  Of course, I had to enlist the assistance of my youngest son, Daniel, who has been a proud member for quite some time.  He had me set-up in a matter of minutes and quickly hustled me through some of the highlights of Facebook. 

Only two days later, did I sign-on and get my first real glimpse of social media.  There was my Facebook mentor, Daniel, with some type of box on his head sporting a pair of Speedos and nothing else.  So much for any elected office position for the baby of the family.  Actually, I think the wrist tatoo probably did him in a few years back.  Amazingly, Facebook offers a real slice of young and old America and what they are thinking and doing.  This is quite an adventure, this Facebook stuff.

It's funny how I have encouraged my staff at my last two positions to keep our properties updated on Facebook without really understanding what this site is all about.  I should have joined  years ago and would not have missed out on some fairly good opportunities to share our property stories.  Nevertheless, it is interesting to be a part of the scene today.  I already have 11 Facebook friends and haven't even begun the process of looking for any. 

Currently, I am only connected with the PC sitting on my desk.  That's old school as most of the kids and a fair amount of adults have it on their smart phones.  My phone isn't all that smart, it just rings and beeps all the time.  I can't imagine it being busier than it already is and can't see how I could possibly get through a day with the constant vibrating of my phone alerting me to every Facebook entry or email.  I wonder how business people who stay connected with Facebook are able to get any work done at all. 

It is true that Facebook is a tremendous resource for connecting with other people, friends and family.  I see the daily posts of my daughter who lives and works in Kentucky.  I see the comings and goings of my youngest, my mentor Daniel.  My oldest son, Tim, only ventures a comment here and there as he is so busy with school and work, Facebook participation for him is infrequent.  I keep thinking it is too bad that the United States Postal Service didn't come up with the Facebook model.  They started the whole communication thing and now they are being left in the dust. 

It actually is estimated that the average person only receives one letter of a personal nature every seven weeks.  How many of us can remember waiting by the mailbox for that special letter from Grandma or Grandpa.  Maybe a son who was serving overseas, a sweetheart away for the summer or the dreaded college grades that always kept us on the edge of our seat.  One has to wonder if the Selective Service ever had a draft again, would it send out letters or postings to Facebook pages. 

I still don't quite have the hang of it yet when it comes to Facebook.  I need my mentor to pop by and give me some more tutoring.  I do think about the thousands of people I have had contact with during my life, especially during my YMCA years, all those staff members, all those campers - where are all of them today.  Facebook is going to open the door and quite a few windows as I begin the process of reconnecting with hundreds, perhaps thousands of younger people who once for a brief period of time, were a part of my life.